The James E. Blake Co.

Context: Main Image: The postcard depicts the James E. Blake Company building in Attleboro, Massachusetts, with a clear view of the factory complex and surrounding area.

Details: Foreground:

• The image shows a well-paved street in front of the factory, with visible trolley tracks curving along the road. It is the corner of Mill and Union Streets.
• The street is empty, providing an unobstructed view of the factory buildings.

Middle Ground:

• The main factory building is a large, two-story brick structure with numerous windows, suggesting a well-lit interior.
• An entrance with a prominent archway and steps is visible in the center of the brick building.
• Trees partially obscure parts of the building, adding a touch of greenery to the industrial scene.

Background:

• To the right of the main building, additional factory buildings made of wood with large windows are visible, indicating the expansive nature of the factory complex.
• The buildings are interconnected, showing a cohesive industrial setup.

Text:

• The top right of the postcard reads “The James E. Blake Co., Attleboro, Mass.” in black text.
• A sign on one of the buildings to the far right reads “ELECTRIC CHAIN CO.”

Condition:

• The postcard is in fair condition, with some visible wear and tear along the edges.
• The colors are slightly faded, giving the image a vintage appearance.
• There are some faint marks or lines across the image but they do not significantly detract from the overall scene.

Interpretation: Historical Context:

• The James E. Blake Company was a significant industrial enterprise in Attleboro, known for manufacturing jewelry and related products.
• The presence of the Electric Chain Company sign indicates the diversity of industrial operations in the area.

Cultural Importance:

• The factory represents the industrial heritage of Attleboro, which was known for its jewelry manufacturing industry.
• The postcard highlights the scale and importance of industrial operations in the town’s economy and history.

Artistic Elements:

• The use of color highlights the factory buildings and contrasts them with the surrounding greenery and street.
• The perspective of the postcard, with the curved trolley tracks leading the viewer’s eye towards the factory, adds depth to the image.

Overall Impression:

• This postcard effectively captures the industrial aspect of Attleboro, showcasing the prominent James E. Blake Company factory.
• The combination of the factory buildings, the empty street, and the greenery provides a balanced view of this significant location in the town.
• The postcard serves as a valuable piece of historical documentation, illustrating the architectural and industrial landscape of early 20th-century Attleboro.